it's my 30th birthday I can cry if I want to... {+ my birthday gift to you!}

Just kidding.

I don't feel like crying at all. ;)

But my 60s dress & hair-do made me think of that 60s song
 "It's my Party" & I couldn't help but giggle.


 

Everyone keeps telling me that turning 30 isn't bad at all.

In fact, they enjoyed their 30s so much more than their 20s,

but they'd probably be the type to tell you that colonoscopies aren't all that bad either,

so I'm not sure if I'm gonna fully take their word for it. ;P

 

But this I do know:

Hitherto my Lord has helped me
& I know He will still for as many days as He gives me.

I'm not fretting about getting older.

Every day I learn more about Jesus,
& it's one day closer to heaven,

and hopefully with every day & every year I become more like my Savior.
What more could anyone want than that?

 

{Plus my niece insists that I'm only 21 *wink*}

 

 

Now as to this dress.
 

Vintage 1961 McCall's Pattern #6120.

Vintage rose bed sheet for the fabric.

{Picked up at my favorite thrift store a few years back.}

Vintage notions: old metal zipper from a bag of goodies
my friend Ang gave me,

and thread that came with an old treadle sewing machine my Uncle Bill salvaged for me out of an old house slated for demolition.
{His only price was one of my apple pies. What a guy!}



 It was my first time making this pattern & it was about a size too big.

I made some adjustments after cutting it out that I should've done before cutting it out.

I skipped the sleeves because they looked wonky because of the adjustments.

(I now know what I'd do differently if I make this pattern again, which I plan to do.)

I love the pleats of the skirt. They make it lay so nicely.

I think my favorite detail is the matching bow belt.

I had never really cared much for the styles of the 1960s until just recently.

{And I still don't care for all of it, mind you, this is what I consider to be good 60s.}

I felt very Call the Midwife or Andy Griffith Show in this sweet frock.

 Mom did my bouffant for me.
She can recall watching her mom do a similar pouf to her own hair.
 



 

I recently brought my sewing machine & dress form {Donna Sue} upstairs to my room.

I'm so enjoying having them up here & not down in the icky basement.

It's such a cozy little corner of my room now.

 





 {Who wore it better: me or Donna Sue?} ;)
 

As a special treat for you dear friends I'd like to offer you a coupon code for 30% off in my etsy shop.
(Get it?! Get it?! 30%)

It's good all day today {August 15th, 2016}.

Just in case there's something in there you've had your eye on.

The code is: ADELIGHTFUL30TH

 

This week's post is a day early so that I could offer you all this deal.

{And maybe to make up for last week's being a bit late.} ;P

 

My family had a party for me yesterday afternoon & it was such a wonderful time.

 

 Momma & Dad

 

 My sisters

 

This is probably my favorite pic & my favorite part -

surrounded by my six wee leetle rabbits. <3
{Though if you'd been there your ears would most likely still be ringing from the deafening shout of "cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese" that came forth from these wee ones.} ^_~

 

Today I'll be out shopping anywhere my heart desires.

{Mostly craft stores & thrift shops.}

 

I am so blessed.

 

Much love,

Miss Michelle ^_^

{the old fart}

Photos by Momma, Dad, Aims & Me.



The Great British Birthday Party

This post is a little later than normal, but still on Tuesday...

so it totally counts for keeping to my blogging schedule.

Well, yesterday morning I awoke without a clue as to what I was even going to write about for this week's post. I normally have a few ideas to choose from, and have already started on it by that point.

So, I just went about my business of the day hoping something would come to mind.

I did my laundry.

{Not too blog worthy. I've already shared my love for line dried sheets & wicker laundry baskets several times here.}

I had a dentist appointment for an impression for my permanent crown for the tooth which had to have the implant done.

{Definitely NOT blog worthy.}

My sister Aimee went with me since we had made plans to go to our friend Taylor's house for a cup of coffee and a nice visit after my appointment.

We ended up having a little extra time before we were expected there so we grabbed a bite to eat at DQ & stopped by HomeGoods to see if there was anything we just had to have.

Didn't end up buying anything. Which is just fine. Plus we'll be going back next Monday since it's my {30th!} birthday.

So, we arrived at Taylor's house & through the big window next to her front door I spied some Union Jack bunting hanging in her dining room.

My first thought was "Aww, that sweetie must've decorated for us coming to visit."

When we stepped inside we were greeted by shouts of "SURPRISE!" & out popped not only Taylor, but her sister Gus and my other sisters Beth & Kelsey! (As well as baby Joel!)

Needless to say I was surprised. ;)



These gals sure know how to put together a theme.
They did The Great British Bake Off.
A mutual favorite of ours.
Plus they know how much of an anglophile I am. ^_^
 



 

If you've even seen the show you will immediately recognize the red gingham tablecloth.

Our place cards were our photos just like the contestants on the show have behind their bakes.



There were beautiful cottage garden flowers.

{I'm guessing from Gus' garden.}

Beth made yummy cucumber sandwiches.



 

Tay & Gus even made a Prinsesstårta {Swedish Princess Cake}

Oh. my. word. It was good.

 

 

Beth, me, & Aims enjoying Taylor's wonderful coffee.

I wish we would've got pics of all of us together, but oh well.

We'll always have the memories. ^_^



 

Aimee remembered that I once mentioned that I've always wanted to try this striped peanut butter & jelly ever since the first time I saw it on the movie Matilda when I was a little girl. Wasn't it just so thoughtful of her to remember? Now all I need is Miss Honey's cottage & my life will be complete. ;)



 

Beth got me very English gifts as well!

A cast iron scottie dog, yummy buscuits in a cute tin, & wonderful "Cups of Tea" scented lotion.



 

How cute is this children's book Kelsey gave me.

{I love cute kids' books!}

It's about a little girl who knits sweaters for all and sundry.

Very appropriate, no? ;)

 

 

It was such a wonderful party!

I feel so very blessed to have such dear & thoughtful friends & sisters in Christ.

Thanks again girls for all that you did.

Probably my favorite part of the party was after we had all eaten our fill...

(Well, eaten our "stuffed like a sausage about to burst" may be more appropriate.) ;)

we retired to the living room & had a delightful chat.

There's never a lull in the conversation with these dear ones,

and it always ends up centering around the Lord.

 

~*~

 

Have you ever seen The Great British Bake Off?

 

{If you have}

Do you have a favorite judge?

 

What dessert would you most like to try from the show?

 

Much love,

Miss Michelle ^_^

{Photos with the Delightful Handwork watermark by me. Others by Gus.}



happy {150th} birthday, Beatrix!

Our much beloved Beatrix Potter was born 150 years ago today!



I thought it was a perfect occasion to wear another outfit inspired by my favorite artist.



My niece Abbey snapped a couple pics for me. ^_^

Abbey, my sister Kelsey, and I thought we'd try our hand at some watercolor in honor of Miss Potter.



{'Arteests' at work.}

It was so much fun!

{A cup of tea was always nearby, naturally.}

The finished "masterpieces". ;P

Try not to laugh too hard at my rendition of Hunca Munca & one of her babies.
{I really need to work on those eyes. Spooooky.}

Kels decided to just do her own non-Beatrix-inspired thing.

I'm in love with Abbey's rendition of Jemima Puddle Duck!

"Thank goodness I was never sent to school;

it would have rubbed off some of the originality."

{Beatrix Potter}

Did you know today was Beatrix's birthday?

Did you do anything special to celebrate?

What is your favorite Beatrix Potter book?

Love,

Miss Michelle ^_^



the colors of my life...

When I was a little girl I sang in our local civic chorale's youth chorus for a few years. We sang a wide variety of types of songs from show tunes to Psalms to oldies. {and one weird song about an ocelot of all things, "Saucy Little Ocelot", which contained the line "Saucy little ocelot, likes to fuss & boss a lot." Which my friend who sat next to me during practice & I thought perfectly described another girl in the group. We would elbow each other & try to keep from giggling...but I digress...}

 One of the show tunes we sang was called The Colors of My Life from the musical Barnum (which I've never actually seen.)

 

Some song lyrics tend to take up residence in my brain and never leave.

Such as the lines

 

"The colors of my life are bountiful & bold." sung by the fella

 

and

 

"The colors of my life are softer than a breeze." sung by the lady.

 

Every so often I think about these words & I wonder which color schemes would I use to characterize my life?

I really like both bountiful & bold AND softer than a breeze colors.

The only colors I'm not too terribly fond of are neons.

And in moderation even they can be tolerable.

 

Picking out colors for a new knit or crochet project is one of my favorite parts of the whole creative process. I love trying different color combinations. Nothing pleases my eye so much as just the right balance of colors. In my life there is a time & place for bright & cheery as well as pastel & pretty. I like to incorporate them both into my wardrobe & décor.

 

Since it was the lady who mentioned the gentle colors we'll take a look at some of those first.

{Ladies first ya know.} ^_~

 

 

 gentle

 

 

peaceful

 

 

lovely

 

 

calming

 

 

cozy

 

 

like a relaxing day at the beach

 

 that's what I think when I see pastels.

 

~*~

 

Now as to all things bright and beautiful...

 

fresh & juicy

 

 

cheerful

 

 

playful

 

energizing

*like a cup of coffee for your eyes*

 

 

warm

 

 

 like childhood summer days

 

 

That's what I think of when I see cheery brights.

^_^

 

As you can see I've been keeping busy with granny square blankies.

They are my most recent obsession, and they lend themselves very well to experimenting with different color palettes. I've just started on one I've been calling "pastel rainbow" while also working on a vintage beachy sweater in pale coral, light blue, & white. {Seen in some of the pics at the top.}

 

~*~

 

So these are the colors of my life.

Both light & lovely AND bright & beautiful.

 

What colors do you prefer?

Is there a certain scheme of colors that characterizes your life?

 

Much Love,

Miss Michelle ^_^

{Photos by me apart from the one of Mema & me. That was taken by Aunt Liz.}





30 baby pies for the 4th of july...

I hope you all had a lovely Independence Day!

 I sure did.

The day was spent in my favorite way - with family & friends.

I found some adorable mini pie tins at Dollar General (of all places!) a couple months back & I just knew what I would be making for our celebration.

 

In the Summer we try to use the oven as little as possible to keep the house as cool as possible.

So, I decided cold pies were in order & graham cracker crust since they don't require such a hot oven as regular pie crust. Although we just recently bought a nice toaster oven that could actually accommodate 2 regular sized pies or 12 mini pies. So, I could have actually made baked pies, but I already had my heart set on cream pies.

I thought I'd cheat & use boxed pudding mixes & canned filling too just to make things easy.

But then we got this beautiful box of juicy Georgia peaches.

Strawberries are my all-time favorite fruit, but peaches run a close second.

I couldn't do it.

I couldn't cheat.

I had to use these fresh beauties.

I know, I'm a weirdo. ;)

And then I remembered how wonderful homemade pudding is too.

 Plus we recently had a break in the hot weather & had a few days of gorgeous Fall-like weather.

So, that clinched the deal.

 

~*~

There's nothing easier than a graham cracker crust!

 I made a few gluten free ones as well for my sister Beth.

 

 I used a cream cheese mixture under the fresh peaches.
It was pretty good, but if I were to do it again I would use homemade vanilla pudding instead.
Mmm...there's nothing quite like a fresh peach glacé pie
I did make coconut cream & banana cream using the vanilla pudding.



Abbey is always my little helper. ^_^

She put the little flags on.

I finally found a use for this cute scrapbook paper a friend gave me a couple years ago.



 

About halfway through the baby pie assembling I thought

"Wait just a cotton pickin' minute, how am I gonna fit all of these in our fridge?!"

You should've seen the rigged up system of egg cups & spools of thread I concocted to stack the trays.

 



How cute is this widdle pie?



{Shenanigans}



My sister Beth has the cutest décor, doesn't she?

Her whole kitchen is just thing cutest thing.

I've said it before but it seriously deserves its own post at some point.



  Gluten free for Beth ^_^
 



My favorite part of the day, though, was spending time with my lil poopsies.
{See them playing on the swing set out the window? That's where we spent the better part of the day.}

Annelise




Twas a grand ol' celebration.

 

Here are the recipes if y'all are interested.

 

Graham Cracker Crust:

1/3 c. butter

1/4 c. sugar

1 1/4 c. finely crushed graham cracker crumbs

 

Melt butter; stir in sugar. Add crushed crackers; toss to mix well.

Spread evenly onto bottom & sides pie plate.

I used a small measuring cup to press them.

Bake in a 375* oven for 4-5 minutes or until edge is lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.

Makes 1 9-inch pie crust or 8 mini pie crusts.

 

Peach Glacé Pie:

6 c. sliced, peeled peaches

2/3 c. water

2/3 c. sugar

2 T. cornstarch

 

In a medium bowl mash 1 c. of the peaches well with a potato masher. Add water & set aside.

In a medium heavy bottomed saucepan combine sugar & cornstarch; stir in blended peach mixture. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes more. Cool for 10 minutes without stirring.

 

For a whole pie:

Spread 1/4 c. of the glaze over bottom & sides of a baked shell.

Arrange half of the fruit in crust.

Carefully spoon half of the remaining glaze over fruit.

Repeat the last two steps being sure that glaze completely covers all of the fruit.

Chill 1 to 2 hours.

 

For minis:

Arrange 1/3 to 1/2 c. of peaches in each tins, depending on whether you're making peaches & cream pies or plain peach.

Top with a large spoonful of glaze, dividing evenly.

Chill 1 to 2 hours.

 

Top with whipped cream.

Yum!

 

Vanilla Cream Pie:

4 egg yolks

3/4 c. sugar

1/4 c. cornstarch

2 1/2 c. whole milk

(or half & half if you're awesome)

1 T. butter

1 1/2 t. vanilla

 

In a medium heavy bottomed saucepan combine sugar and cornstarch.

Gradually stir in milk {or 1/2 &1/2 ^_~}.

Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened & bubbly; reduce heat.

Cook & stir for 2 minutes more.

Remove from heat.

Slightly beat egg yolks with a fork.

Gradually stir 1 c. of the hot filling into yolks.

Add yolk mixture to filling in the pan.

Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat.

Cook and stir for 2 minutes more.

Remove from heat,

Stir in butter and vanilla.

 

For Coconut Cream Pie:

Stir in 1 c. flaked coconut.

Garnish with whipped cream & toasted coconut.

 

For Banana Cream Pie:

Arrange sliced bananas on the bottom of baked pie crust.

Top with pudding.

 

Top with whipped cream.

{Of course}

 

If you accidently eat all of the pudding on its own before it makes it into a pie:

I won't judge.

It's delish.

;P

 

Much Love,

Miss Michelle ^_^

{All photos taken by me apart from the ones I'm in. Those are by my sisters Beth & Kelsey.}